Chemistry of colour
Gold
What is gold and what makes it so appealing to artists? Specialist Scientist and Organic Analyst Nelly von Aderkas and Frame Conservator Isabella Kocum tell us about the sparkly world of gold looking at Duccio's 'The Virgin and Child with Saints Dominic and Aurea'
From coloured clays and gesso to water gilding and punching using gold in art requires a whole set of special techniques, many of which Duccio would recognise if he were to visit our conservation studios today. Watch as Nelly and Isabella demonstrate how artists use this precious colour.
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Don't miss this golden moment in art
Step into Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300 ‒1350
See some of Europe's earliest, most exquisite and most significant artworks
Anatomy of an altarpiece
Uncover the different sections of an Italian Renaissance altarpiece
From pilasters to roundels we describe the technical terms.
Maestà, the Passion of Christ: A film by Andy Guérif
What would happen if Duccio's 'Maestà' came to life?
French artist Andy Guérif directs a live-action adaptation of Duccio's famous 14th-century polyptych